Linden trees, commonly planted along city sidewalks for ornamental effect, feature heart-shaped leaves and fragrant white flowers. The flowers -- and occasionally the bark -- are used in herbal medicines. Linden is a trusted remedy in Europe, its use in cold remedies, cough syrups. Linden Tea has anxiety-reducing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The linden Tea -- botanically known as Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos and commonly called the basswood tree and the lime tree -- is a deciduous tree native to Europe, but presently found in Northern temperate regions, including the United States. Although lindens are called lime trees, they bear no relation to the lime-producing tropical tree Citrus aurantifolia. Tea from linden flowers have been used in European folk medicine to induce sweating with colds and influenza, as well as to treat nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, migraines and digestive upsets. has been used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders. Present-day herbalists might advise linden for the relief of fever. Also to treat colds and influenza, relieve headaches and enhance the immune system.
Linden flowers contain tannins, volatile oil and mucilage, a gummy substance with documented soothing and protective effects. Also present are the flavonoids quercetin, rutin and kaempferol, as well as caffeic acid, eugenol -- also found in clove oil -- limonene, and the amino acids alanine, cysteine and phenylalanine.
Linden flowers contain tannins, volatile oil and mucilage, a gummy substance with documented soothing and protective effects. Also present are the flavonoids quercetin, rutin and kaempferol, as well as caffeic acid, eugenol -- also found in clove oil -- limonene, and the amino acids alanine, cysteine and phenylalanine.
Linden also has anti-inflammatory qualities, along with antibacterial activity against H. pylori, a gastrointestinal pathogen.
Linden relieve nasal congestion, soothe sore throats and inhibit coughs. The linden has sedative propeties and anxiety-reducing effects which might account for its ability to relieve sinus and migraine headaches. Linden's quercetin and kaempferol content give it its ability to promote sweating, as well as antispasmodic properties.
Linden relieve nasal congestion, soothe sore throats and inhibit coughs. The linden has sedative propeties and anxiety-reducing effects which might account for its ability to relieve sinus and migraine headaches. Linden's quercetin and kaempferol content give it its ability to promote sweating, as well as antispasmodic properties.